Stop. Drop. And Roll.

I have seen a few fires in my day. As a native of Southern California and the son of a retired fireman, I have seen some pretty big ones. In fact, I (accidentally) started one myself. Trust me, it’s a long story.

Despite my rather minute experience, nothing could have prepared me for the fires I saw when I became a college ministry / young adult director at my church. I promise you; they would have made Smokey The Bear shrug his shoulders in disbelief.

Over the past seven to eight years, I have been fortunate to witness an incredible awakening by the local church to reach and actively engage in the lives of college students. Since the emergence of such movements like Passion Conferences, college students from all across the nation have discovered a newfound love and confidence in Christ and the local church.

Although there are countless books and publications emerging that conclude that young adults are abandoning their Christian faith at an alarming rate, having the opportunity to encounter over the years a number of college students who dare to stand firm in God and advance His Kingdom throughout their campus, has given me a great measure of hope.

Everywhere I look, I see more and more college students who are just on fire for God. And for the first time that I can remember, that scares me. You may be wondering why a 12-year leader and director of college ministry would be fearful of the thought of students discovering a passion for God and the local church. Well, every year I have encountered more and more college students who, immediately after returning from a recent ministry event or conference, believe God is calling them to go and win their campus…

…by starting their own college ministry.

Although often doing so with sincere heart and intentions, a large majority of these students either experience major burnout due to a lack of guidance and patience, while others allow their desire for evangelism to cause them to treat their peers as targets rather than friends.

After years of providing life preservers to students who were either drowning in their pursuits for the “deep things of God,” or bogged down with confusion as to why yet another planned college ministry unity service drew close to no one in attendance…

…I realized something. These college students are on fire for God! No doubt about it. However, many (without the right guidance and mentorship) become severe burn victims.

It reminds me of something my dad (the retired fireman) used to try telling me. Over and over again. I’m sure you remember it:

Stop. Drop. And Roll.

Allow me to explain how this safety technique can apply to (new) college ministry leaders…

1. Stop.
   Before starting yet another bible study or prayer group on campus, students should stop and take an accurate assessment as to where God is really needed most on their campus.
   
   What issues need to be addressed that most college ministries seem to avoid? Talk to unbelieving students. What are they struggling with? What do they like or dislike about many of the currently established college ministries on your campus?
   
   You may be surprised at what you hear.


2. Drop.
   I tell students all the time who believe God has called them into ministry, to be sure they heard the whole message! What if God did call you into the ministry…
   
   …not to start one, but to be apart of one?
   
   Your ministry could be to become a dorm assistant, or to run for a class office, or how about just showing up for class…on time! Be sure to devout a great deal of time to prayer.


3. Roll.
   In the event that God is indeed calling someone to begin a college ministry of their own, I highly recommend that student shadowing a few (ministries) before he or she starts.
   
   Discover what is working. Discover what’s not. More often than not, college ministries work way too hard to reach their campus, simply because they are not working together.
   
   The more students take the time roll and become apart of existing college ministries, the more they will discover how God can use to fill the voids their campus needs. All in all, helping college students to nourish their newfound love and dedication for God is something I have found no greater joy in doing.
   
   Being on fire for God is great. However, as it relates to effectively reaching our campuses, we need students who know how to stay on fire. I hope this will help many do just that.

A 12-year veteran (and survivor) of church-based college ministry,
Milan Ford is the author of The Pew View a blogspot for church ministry leaders.